What is an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent (E.A.) is a federally licensed tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers for audits, collections and appeals before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service.

What are the differences between Enrolled Agents and other tax preparers?

Only enrolled agents demonstrate their competence in matters of taxation and report their hours of continuing professional education to the IRS. Enrolled agents are the only taxpayer representatives who receive their right to practice directly from the U.S. Government (certified public accountants and attorneys are licensed by states and their licenses are state specific). Unlike attorneys and certified public accountants, who may or may not choose to focus on taxes, all enrolled agents specialize in taxation.

Why should I choose an Enrolled Agent who is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)?

The principal concern of the NAEA and its members is honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before government agencies. Members of NAEA must fulfill continuing professional education requirements that exceed IRS' standards. In addition, NAEA members adhere to a stringent code of ethics and rules of professional conduct as well as the Treasury Department's Circular 230 regulations. NAEA members belong to a strong network of experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work on behalf of taxpayers to see that the tax code is fairly applied and reasonably enforced.

How does one become an Enrolled Agent?

The license is earned in one of two ways: either by passing a stringent and comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of the tax code or by having worked at the IRS for at least five years in a position that regularly interpreted and applied the tax code and its regulations. All candidates are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS. The license is national, not state specific, allowing enrolled agents to assist taxpayers located throughout the country.

Are there really that many tax changes each year that might affect me?

Yes. Only a qualified professional (such as an enrolled agent) with all the facts at his or her disposal can determine the appropriateness of the application of any law to a given situation. Every year there are numerous changes to the tax laws and the tax code. The tax code and regulations are very complex and Congress is continually changing the tax laws. Enrolled agents take continuing education courses each year to keep up with the changes and also have research tools at their disposal to constantly monitor the updates. Most taxpayers do not have the time or the research tools to read the volumes of material that are added to or deleted from the tax code each year. That is why it is important to choose a tax professional, such as an enrolled agent, who keeps up with the rules and regulations and uses this expertise to do the best job possible for every taxpayer.

Areas of tax law that frequently change:

• Tax brackets and tax rates
• Credits, deductions and exemptions
• Educational incentives
• Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) limits
• Retirement account issues
• First Time Homebuyers Credit